Battling the Autumn Blues

There is something very special and beautiful about this time of year. The changing colours of the leaves, the crisp air and the fact that Christmas and Hanukkah are just around the corner!

However, there are a few people who do not share the same enthusiasm for autumn and the sinking temperature, darker days or the wetter weather. According to research done at Birmingham Young University, mental health distress increases among individuals during times of the year with reduced hours of sunlight. Therefore, it is not uncommon for us to hibernate during the darker season.

What does not get mentioned enough though is the many amazing benefits to the body and mind from getting outside during the cold winter months.

Walking outside increases blood flow and circulation

An increase in blood flow or circulation in the body can help benefit the heart and the body’s muscles and arteries throughout the body.

Exercising in colder weather burns more calories

As your body temperature sinks it needs more energy to heat up the body’s core temperature, therefore burning more calories.

Being outdoors helps boost your immune system.

Scientists think that breathing in phytoncides – which are airborne chemicals produced by plants – increases our levels of white blood cells, helping us fight off infections and diseases.

Cold-weather exercise has the ability to boost one’s mood. As the body works harder to stay warm, the number of endorphins produced also increases, leaving you with a stronger sense of happiness and lightness following a workout in the cold.

To find out more on how to how to make important, lasting improvements on your health, click here.

Let’s remember to stay active throughout this autumn and winter to beat those seasonal blues. Remember to dress accordingly!